Pet cremation costs in the UK vary depending on the size of your pet, the type of cremation you choose, and whether collection is included. This guide gives you real, up-to-date price ranges so you know exactly what to expect — and what questions to ask.
Individual vs communal cremation — what's the difference?
Before looking at costs, it's important to understand the two main types of pet cremation available in the UK, because they are very different — and the price difference between them is significant.
Individual cremation
£150–£400+- Your pet is cremated completely alone
- Only their ashes are returned to you
- Ashes typically returned within 5–7 working days
- Choice of urn, scatter tube or keepsake
- Certificate of individual cremation provided
Communal cremation
£50–£200- Multiple pets cremated together
- Ashes cannot be separated or returned
- Co-mingled ashes usually scattered in a memorial garden
- Lower cost option
- No ashes returned to the owner
Important: If receiving your pet's ashes matters to you, always confirm in writing that the service is individual cremation. Some providers use terms like "private" or "separate" cremation — always ask specifically whether your pet will be the only animal in the cremator at the time.
Dog cremation costs in the UK
Dog cremation prices are largely determined by weight and size. Most providers have price brackets by weight rather than breed. Based on research conducted across UK crematoria in early 2026, here are the typical price ranges:
| Dog size | Weight | Individual cremation | Communal cremation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small dog | Up to 8kg | £150–£220 | £80–£120 |
| Medium dog | 8–25kg | £220–£280 | £100–£160 |
| Large dog | 25–40kg | £270–£340 | £150–£200 |
| XL / giant dog | 40kg+ | £340–£400+ | £180–£250+ |
Source: Prices based on ManyPets UK survey of 28 vets and pet crematoria, January 2026, and Animal Friends Insurance data. Prices are averages and will vary by provider and region.
London and South East: Prices in London and the South East tend to be at the higher end of these ranges due to higher operating costs. Collection fees may also be higher in urban areas.
Cat cremation costs in the UK
Unlike dogs, cats are all roughly similar in weight, so most crematoria charge a single fixed price for cats rather than a weight-based bracket. Typical prices are:
| Type | Typical cost | Ashes returned? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual cremation | £150–£225 | Yes |
| Communal cremation | £80–£170 | No |
Source: ManyPets survey, January 2026 — average individual cat cremation £195.57, average communal £101.63.
Small and exotic pet cremation costs
Cremation is available for all types of pets in the UK — not just cats and dogs. Prices for smaller animals are generally lower:
| Pet type | Individual cremation | Communal cremation |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit | £80–£140 | £40–£80 |
| Guinea pig | £70–£120 | £30–£70 |
| Hamster / gerbil | £60–£100 | £25–£60 |
| Bird / parrot | £70–£130 | £30–£70 |
| Reptile | £70–£140 | £30–£70 |
Prices for small pets vary more widely between providers than for cats and dogs. It's worth getting two or three quotes if cost is a factor.
What's included — and what costs extra
The base cremation price doesn't always include everything. Here's what to check before you book:
Usually included
- The cremation itself
- A basic scatter tube or pouch for the ashes (with individual cremation)
- A certificate of individual cremation (from reputable providers)
Usually charged as an extra
- Collection from your home or vet — typically £30–£50 for nearby collection, or per-mile rates for further distances. Some providers include collection as standard — always check
- Return of ashes by courier — typically £15–£25 on top of the cremation price
- Out-of-hours collection — evenings, weekends, and bank holidays may carry a premium with some providers
- Urns and keepsakes — memorial urns typically cost £50–£200. Handmade or personalised options cost more. Paw print impressions, fur clippings, and jewellery containing ashes are also available as optional extras
- Witnessed cremation — some crematoria allow you to be present during cremation for an additional fee
Always ask for a full itemised quote before booking, including collection, return of ashes and any extras you want. The headline price can sometimes exclude collection — which is often the first thing you'll need.
Arranging through your vet vs. direct
Many families arrange pet cremation through their vet, which is convenient — particularly if your pet passes away at the practice. However, vets typically act as an intermediary and add a handling fee on top of the crematorium's own price. Research suggests this markup can be anywhere from 20% to 50% above the direct cremation price.
Arranging directly with a pet cremation service — particularly one that collects from your home — removes this intermediary cost entirely. It can also mean a more personal service, with the cremation team speaking directly with your family rather than through the practice.
Saving tip: Going direct to a pet cremation provider rather than through your vet can save between £50 and £100 on the same service, according to industry research.
How to get the best price on pet cremation
Losing a pet is already an emotionally overwhelming experience — you shouldn't also have to worry about being overcharged. Here are the most practical ways to make sure you're getting fair value:
- Always get an itemised quote — make sure collection, return of ashes and any chosen extras are all included in the price before you commit
- Ask if it is genuinely individual cremation — and request a certificate confirming this
- Go direct where possible — avoid the vet markup by contacting a cremation service directly
- Check what's included in the base price — some providers include a basic urn; others charge separately
- Ask about payment plans — many providers, including My Pet Farewell, offer Klarna and flexible instalment options so you're not under financial pressure
- Look for a price match guarantee — reputable providers will match a like-for-like written quote from a competitor
Our price match guarantee
At My Pet Farewell, we believe you should never have to choose between the quality of care for your pet and the cost. That's why we offer a price match guarantee — if you find a lower written price for an equivalent individual pet cremation service, we will match it.
What we include as standard:
- Same-day collection from your home or vet — 24/7, no out-of-hours surcharge
- Genuine individual cremation — your pet is always alone in the cremator
- Ashes returned within 5–7 working days
- Certificate of individual cremation
- Klarna and flexible payment plans available
- UK-wide coverage
Get a free instant quote here — or call us any time on 020 3432 3240. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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